The aim of Hierarchy is the greatest possible assimilation to and union with God, and by taking Him as leader in all holy wisdom, to become like Him, so far as is permitted, by contemplating intently His most Divine Beauty. Also it molds and perfects its participants in the holy image of God like bright and spotless mirrors which receive the Ray of the Supreme Deity which is the Source of Light; and being mystically filled with the Gift of Light, it pours it forth again abundantly, according to the Divine Law, upon those below itself. For it is not lawful for those who impart or participate in the holy Mysteries to overpass the bounds of its sacred laws; nor must they deviate from them if they seek to behold, as far as is allowed, that Deific Splendour, and to be transformed into the likeness of those Divine Intelligence. Each Order is the interpreter and herald of those above it, the most venerable being the interpreter of God who inspires them, and the others in turn of those inspired by God. For that super-essential harmony of all things has provided most completely for the holy regulation and the sure guidance of rational and intellectual beings by the establishment of the beautiful choirs of each Hierarchy; and we see that every Hierarchy possesses first, middle, and last powers.Second Sphere

Angels of the Second Sphere work as heavenly governors of creation by subjecting matter and guiding and ruling the spirits.

Angels of the Second Sphere work as heavenly governors. Second level Angels in the second level of the hierarchy function as celestial governors, presiding over existence on earth without manifesting their existence to humans.

The second Sphere of angels also contains three ranks: Dominions, Virtues and Powers. This second order of angels includes those who regulate the duties of the angels in the Third Sphere, as well as overseeing that cosmic order is maintained. They also keep tabs on how “power” is distributed within our own physical world. For the names of these supernal Beings denote the divine characteristics of their likeness to God. This middle rank of the Celestial Intelligences, having these Godlike characteristics, is purified, illuminated and perfected in the manner already described, by the divine Illuminations bestowed upon it in a secondary mariner through the first hierarchical Order, and shown forth in a secondary manifestation by the middle choir.

Dominations – also known as hashmallim, these angels take orders from the first level in order to lead the lower ranks of angels and watch over earthly existence.The name given to the holy Dominions signifies, a certain unbounded elevation to that which is above, freedom from all that is of the earth, and from all inward inclination to the bondage of discord, a liberal superiority to harsh tyranny, an exemptness from degrading servility and from all that is low: for they are untouched by any inconsistency. They are true Lords, perpetually aspiring to true lordship, and to the Source of lordship, and they providentially fashion themselves and those below them, as far as possible, into the likeness of true lordship. They do not turn towards vain shadows, but wholly give themselves to that true Authority, forever one with the Godlike Source of lordship.

Virtues – the source of spiritual power and often thought of as “miracle angels” these celestial beings guide human spiritual growth.The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwavering to the super essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue.

Powers – regulate the course of history on the earth to ensure that God’s good is carried out.The name of the holy Powers, co-equal with the Divine Dominions and Virtues, signifies an orderly and unconfined order in the divine receptions, and the regulation of intellectual and super mundane power which never debases its authority by tyrannical force, but is irresistibly urged onward in due order to the Divine. It beneficently leads those below it, as far as possible, to the Supreme Power which is the Source of Power, which it manifests after the manner of Angels in the well-ordered ranks of its own authoritative power.

Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Their job is to regulate the duties of the other Angels and ensure that God’s wishes are carried out.

The Dominions, also known as Lordships in some translations, manage the affairs of the lower angels, and rarely make their presence directly known to man. They are the upper management of the angels, so to speak, taking the big-picture communication from the first Sphere of angels and translating it into detailed instruction. They maintain order among the angels, and sometimes preside over nations, guiding and directing rulers.

These angels receive their perfection and divine wisdom in a secondary way rather than communing directly with God, receiving information from the first Sphere of angels, who pass the will of God down to the lesser angelic beings.

The Dominions are believed to look like beauteous humans with a single pair of wings—the most common way angels are depicted—but, uniquely, are also depicted as wielding scepters or swords adorned with orbs of light.They are so called because “they rule over all the angelic orders charged with the execution of the commands of the Great Monarch.” They are also known as the Hashmallim, whose purpose is to regulate the duties of the lower angels. Some sources refer to them as the Hashmallim. Their primary function that God delegates to them is the task of regulating the duties of lower angels. As their name implies these angels present order to the lower ranks and will on occasion make themselves known to man. They preside over nations. The Dominions are believed to look like divinely beautiful humans with a pair of feathered wings, much like the common representation of Angels, but they may be distinguished from other groups by wielding orbs of light fastened to the heads of their scepters or on the pommel of their swords. They are purified, illuminated and perfected by the divine Illuminations bestowed on them in a secondary manner through the first order of angels.

They act as a form of middle management between the upper choir and the lower. Receiving their orders from the seraphim and cherubim these bright spirits make known to us the commands of God and ensure the cosmos remains in order. Their main virtue is zeal for the maintenance of the King’s authority. Only on very rare occasions do they reveal themselves to mortals, instead they quietly concern themselves with the details of existence.

“The name given to the holy Dominions signifies, I think, a certain unbounded elevation to that which is above, freedom from all that is of the earth, and from all inward inclination to the bondage of discord, a liberal superiority to harsh tyranny, an exemptness from degrading servility and from all that is low: for they are untouched by any inconsistency. They are true Lords, perpetually aspiring to true lordship, and to the Source of lordship, and they providentially fashion themselves and those below them, as far as possible, into the likeness of true lordship. They do not turn towards vain shadows, but wholly give themselves to that true Authority, forever one with the Godlike Source of lordship.”

“The dominions are the heavenly beings who govern the activities of all the angelic groups lower than they are. Divine bureaucrats, they also serve to integrate the spiritual and the material worlds. Although they take their orders from God, and rarely contact individuals, their work is connected to your reality.”
The Dominions (lat. dominatio, pl. dominationes), also known as the Hashmallim, hold the task of regulating the duties of lower angels. It is only with extreme rarity that the angelic lords make themselves physically known to mortals. Instead, they quietly concern themselves with the details of existence. They are also the angels who preside over nations.

The dominions are the heavenly beings who govern the activities of all the angelic groups lower than they are. They are the Divine bureaucrats, they also serve to combine the spiritual and the material worlds, without losing control. Although they take their orders from God, and rarely contact individuals, their work is connected to our reality.

They are the order of the law of cause and effect. They bestow “natural leadership” and make sure that humans are happy and healthy under the given leadership. They do not approve of corruption and unjust churches, civic leaders, politicians and governments whom do not have the highest concern and best interests of the people at heart. They will make adjustments where need be. Call on them for mediating and arbitrating and for divine wisdom.
The Dominions are believed to look like divinely beautiful humans with a pair of feathered wings, much like the common representation of Angels, but they are physically characterized from other groups as wielding orbs of light fastened to the heads of their scepters or on the pommel of their swords.
The Dominions may possibly be equated with the Lords of Individuality, a hierarchy of Elohim astrologically associated to Libra, presented in The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception. They inhabit, in Rosicrucian cosmology, the World of Life Spirit, which is the home of Christ, The Son.Leaders.
The Dominions are also translated from the Greek term “kuriotes” as Lordships, related to the Lord Christ-Jesus, and also Leaders. They are presented as the hierarchy of celestial beings Lordships in the De Coelesti Hierarchia.Virtues – the Angels of Grace who bring God’s blessings to Earth, usually in the form of miracles. Known as the ‘brilliant’ or “shinning’” ones, they are associated with acts of heroism and bring courage when needed.

Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as “the shining ones.” They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.

They are also known as the Malakim and the Tarshishim, carry out the orders issued by the Dominations, they also have two main tasks; to maintain the aspects of the natural world, and to bestow blessings upon the material world. They are attributed with having strength and their assistance should be sought to combat the enemies of salvation. Their primary duty is to: “preside over the movements of the celestial bodies as well as events of weather including rain, snow, wind and the like”. Their secondary duty is to: “take the orders given to them and in turn convert them into miracles for God’s favored”. Bouden states that: “It is through them also that God governs the seasons, the visible heavens and the elements in general, although angels of the lower hierarchy have charge of them.”

“The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwavering to the super essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue.”

The Virtues, also known as the Strongholds, are responsible for maintaining the physical laws of the universe. They ensure that everything from the movement of electrons to the expansion of the universe, itself, remains constant and within the will of God. Everything we take for granted—the reliability of gravity in pulling us down to earth, the functioning of our internal combustion engines and air conditioners and computers—all of it is regulated by God, through the action of the Virtues. These angels, according to Pseudo-Dionysius’s work, quite powerful, and are among the hardest workers of all the angels.
The specific function of the Virtues shows us that the dividing line between science and religion is not so clear. The scientific pursuit of knowledge, of the most intimate workings of the universe, merely serve to reveal God’s creation as we admire His plan, and the work of the Virtues. Think on that when next you look to the stars on a clear night.

Virtues are responsible for the maintenance of the physical universe. Their primary duty is to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order. They possess great strength and appear to be “workhorses” of the angels.

The Virtues are of particular importance to us now because they are able to beam out massive levels of divine energy. The Virtues main focus is to send massive quantities of spiritual energy to the collective human consciousness and the earth plane. These Angels are known as “The Miracle Angels”. The Virtues love go-getters and those that strive to go beyond and accomplish what others call impossible. They love positive people who try to help, enlighten and lead others toward harmony. They also work and guide the elemental energies: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit and weather patterns. They are the angels of nature. When you are sick or scared, call on the Virtues. When you are working with a healing, call on the Virtues.

“Beyond the powers are another group of beings, the virtues. They are of particular importance to you now because they are able to beam out massive levels of divine energy. As more groups of you learn to work with the virtues, there will be a greater infusion of spiritual energy available on your planet.”
The Virtues or Strongholds lie beyond the Ophanim (Thrones/Wheels). Their primary duty is to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order.
The term appears to be linked to the attribute “Might”, from the Greek root “dunamis” in Ephesians 1:21, which is also translated as “Virtue” (probably due to the powerful nature of these high celestial beings; see quotation below). They are presented as the celestial Choir “Virtues”, in the Summa Theologica, and the theological conception of these highest beings appears to describe the same high Order, in touch with God the Father, called the Thrones (Gr. thronos).
“The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwavering to the super essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue.”

Powers – their job is to prevent the ‘fallen angels’ from taking over the world and keeping the Universe in balance. They are also seen as the Angels of birth and death.

Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness. They are believed to be “the favorites among mortals” They hold one of the most dangerous tasks, maintaining the border between Heaven and Earth. Constantly on guard for demonic attacks, the powers act like an elite guard. They are appointed in a special way to fight against the evil spirits and to defeat any wicked plans.

“When we see storms gathering either in the Church or in the State, machinations to resist those who are working for the glory of God, extraordinary conspiracies to defeat some great good which is being planned for some diocese, city or country, then it is that we ought to perform frequent devotions in honor of these Powers of heaven, that they may overturn and destroy all the might and miserable plotting of hell.” (Boudon).

During heavenly warfare they are a major line of defense. “They are also tasked with guarding the celestial byways between the two realms and ensuring that souls which leave the mortal world reach heaven safely. Perhaps not surpassingly, given their proximity to the nether regions, there are more angels from the ranks of the powers listed as fallen than from any other member of the hierarchy.”

“The name of the holy Powers, co-equal with the Divine Dominions and Virtues, signifies an orderly and unconfined order in the divine receptions, and the regulation of intellectual and super mundane power which never debases its authority by tyrannical force, but is irresistibly urged onward in due order to the Divine.

It beneficently leads those below it, as far as possible, to the Supreme Power which is the Source of Power, which it manifests after the manner of Angels in the well-ordered ranks of its own authoritative power.” Some sources list Powers as the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They sometimes serve as warrior angels, fiercely loyal to God. Some believe that no Power has ever fallen from grace, but another theory states that Satan was the Chief of the Powers before his fall. They work diligently to oversee the distribution of power among humankind, hence their name.

The Powers (lat. potestas (f), pl. potestates) are the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. The angels of birth and death are Powers (?). They are academically driven and are concerned with ideology, philosophy, theology, religion, and documents pertaining to those studies.

Powers are the brain trusts: a group of experts who serve as advisers and policy planners. They are also the warrior angels created to be completely loyal to God, thus the only order created after the fall. Some believe that no Powers have ever fallen from Grace but others say that not only have some of them Fallen, the Devil was believed to have been the Chief of the Powers before he Fell (see also Ephesians 6:12) Their duty is to oversee the distribution of power among mankind, hence their name.

The Powers may possibly be equated with the Lords of Mind, a hierarchy of Elohim astrologically associated to Sagittarius, presented in The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception. They inhabit, in Rosicrucian cosmology, the World of Thought in the Region of Concrete Thought (lower region; the Christian Second Heaven), which is the location of the human mind. This region is also described as the place where one of the three records of the Memory of Nature, covering the essence of a whole life or events, is kept-stored.
Paul used the term powers in Colossians 1:16 and Ephesians 1:21 but he may have used it to refer to the powers of nations, societies or individuals, instead of referring to angels.

The Powers, also known as Authorities, are the warrior class of angels which are dispatched to handle evil spirits, particularly those spirits which harm man in the flesh. They detain evil spirits, chaining them within prisons unknown, and are typically depicted as soldiers are, wearing armor and wielding weapons of war. These angels also watch over the distribution of power among mankind, carrying out God’s will in this matter.

These angels showcase the reality of spiritual warfare—that there is an entire, unseen world about us, one which is dangerous, if we are not prepared. Pray to God regularly, that He might, through the use of the Powers, keep you safe from harm, both in the spiritual and in the flesh. Satan was once highest among the angels, and seeks the destruction of mankind. God, however, provides for our safety, and will listen and respond if we pray for protection.

They are the bearers of the conscience of all of humanity, the keepers of our collective history. The angels of birth and death are in this category. They are able to draw down and hold the energy of the divine plan the same way trees draw down the energy of the Sun. In this way, the powers can send all of us a vision of a world spiritual network. These are the Angels that keep track of human history. They are organizers of world religions and send divine energy to keep the positive aspects of the religion going. They dispense justice and regulate chaos. They will send messages when someone or something is out to harm you. They are seen as divine warriors. They are excellent at divulging hidden ego based agendas that can harm others.

Call on the Powers when you are in trouble. They will help you to see through situations and problems. They will defend your home, your family, your property, or any group of people who call on them to help protect and defend them. They will send messages through many means. Through the power of our sixth sense, gut feelings, dreams, etc.

Authorities
The Powers are also translated, from the Greek term “exousia”, as Authorities (see Greek root in Eph 3:10).
These celestial beings appear to collaborate, in power and authority (as implied in their etymology source), with the Principalities (Rulers). Rulers develop ideologies whereas Authorities write the documents and doctrines. Both Authorities (Powers) and Rulers (Principalities) are involved in formulating ideologies. However, Authorities are all-encompassing whereas Rulers are more focused on specific lines of thought. Authorities specialize in putting those ideas into print and in producing actual documents.
Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21, and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10. He may have been referring to the rulers and authorities of men or societies, instead of referring to angels.